Italian Festival Labels La La Land Best Film of the Year

Not only have those inside the Hollywood bubble of Los Angeles been awash with buzz for La La Land, now the tough critics in Europe have heaped praise on the romance musical. All ahead of the big awards season. With friends Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone pairing up for the third time on screen together, the 2016 flick has been given the tick of approval at the Capri Hollywood International Film Festival. With the 21st edition of the gala calling it simply the best film of the year.

Festival founder/producer Pascal Vicedomini made the announcement earlier this week ahead of the Damien Chazelle picture taking home six trophies from this festival alone. As well as winning for best song, best photography, best score and best ensemble cast, Stone was given the gong for best actress. Prepare to make more room in the trophy cabinet.

Gibson's War Epic Given Serious Appreciation

While the Gosling-Stone rollercoaster took a large portion of the limelight in Italy, Mel Gibson's directorial return via Hacksaw Ridge was not forgotten as 2017 started with a bang. Winning best drama alongside a best director trophy for the former Mad Max star himself, lead actor Andrew Garfield took home the best actor prize to include on his CV in a break through year following his role in Silence. Gibson's team was praised for their work, winning best editor for John Gilbert and best producer for Bill Mechanic.

To round out the awards at Capri, Meryl Streep’s Florence Foster Jenkins was given best European director for Stephen Frears. Fire at Sea took home a double prize of best documentary and best European film, the Casey Affleck drama Manchester by the Sea won a best script gong to Kenneth Lonergan. And Martin Scorsese’s Silence was acknowledged for best set design and best costumes.

Audience Were Ga Ga For La La to End 2016

Prior to Mariah Carey sending out the year in the most 2016 of fashions, La La Land already had the crowds flocking in. And this shouldn't end too abruptly, as the critics spread the gospel for a musical that is seen as the full package. Yet to be released to all cinemas, by last Friday it had already grossed an impressive $27.8m to outperform the competition via Hell or High Water.

The Golden Globes and Academy Awards are expected to give the movie due recognition. Hitting a high mark from a limited release of just 1200 theaters to date. For all the remakes and reboots circulating around the movie industry right now, La La Land goes to prove that a traditional romance sing-along can be just as rewarding.